Fantastic Costa – The Best And The Worst Rated Chelsea Players vs West Brom

Chelsea laboured to a narrow 1-0 triumph over West Brom at Stamford Bridge and returned back to the summit of the league. The match also saw big names like Frank Lampard, Joe Cole and Andrea Pirlo in the stands. It didn’t seem like a tough contest before the game yet the home side were made to work as the Baggies were resilient and well-organised both mentally and physically. It was appearing to remain as a frustrating afternoon for Antonio Conte’s men till the 76th minute when Diego Costa blasted home his 12th goal of the season and the only goal of the match. A clean sheet tagged along as a bonus.

Drill down for player ratings:

Thibaut Courtois 7 – The towering goal guardian had a quiet afternoon for most part of the match yet made some decent saves when called upon.

Cesar Azpilicueta 7 – Once again the Spaniard was a reliable kingpin in Chelsea’s defence. Casually moved into a right-back after the tactical switch and remained composed.

David Luiz 6 – The Brazilian was constantly troubled by Salomon Rondon yet fortunately the striker didn’t punish him. Wasted a number of free-kick chances too.

Gary Cahill 7 – Stuck to his task well of nullifying any possible threats from The Baggies.

Victor Moses 6 – Chelsea’s most improved player worked hard as always but couldn’t hit his full potential as he was well escorted by Matt Philips.

Marcos Alonso 6 – Similar to his fellow wingback, another victim of West Brom sitting deep. Likewise, he kept the opponents quiet whenever they look to maraud forward.

N’Golo Kante 6 – Made a pointless foul and got himself his fourth yellow card of the season. Industrious at the heart of the midfield.

Nemanja Matic 7 – Returned back to the side and was overall impressive. Shielded the backline and governed the midfield with function and flair.

Pedro 6 – The former Barcelona man was out-muscled by the compact West Brom defence. Failed to step up his game and was subbed off in the hour mark.

Eden Hazard 7 – Plenty of movement with and without the ball yet the Belgian failed to grind out a final product. Surely frustrated for not working the goalkeeper.

Diego Costa 8.5 – No doubt, Chelsea’s best player of the match, if not the season. His sheer determination and strength to rob possession off Gareth McAuley before rifling the ball into the top corner of the net was nothing but remarkable. His 12th goal of the campaign and it doesn’t look like he’s going to slow down anytime soon.

Substitutes

Willian 6 (came on for Pedro in the 63rd minute) – Similar story of most Chelsea attackers, did plenty of running but well-marked by the Baggies.

Cesc Fabregas 6 (came on for Moses in the 74th minute) – His long pass created havoc in the visitors’ defence before Costa scoring the winner.

Branislav Ivanovic 5 (came on for Hazard in the 78th minute) – The Serbian helped his side to defend the lead.